Study of awareness about early detection of cervical cancer by PAP smear screening amongst women of Bhavnagar District

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Original Article

Author Details : Vandana Patel, Piyush Solanki, Harshid Patel

Volume : 4, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 308-312

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Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. In India, cervical cancer is the most common woman-related cancer, followed by breast cancer. 80% of the new cervical cancer cases occur in developing countries, like India, which reports approximately one fourth of the world's cases of cervical cancer each year.
Objective: The primary objective is to find out the prevalence of awareness amongst women living in rural and urban areas, about the utility of PAP smear in early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Materials and Method: This cross sectional study includes 200 women attending the OPD of Gynecology Department of Government Medical College, Bhavnagar Gujarat from April 2015 to May 2016 of age group of 15 to 60 yrs. Among them 100 women were from rural area and 100 were from urban area. Written consent was taken from each participant, after explaining the aims and objectives of the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge about cervical cancer and knowledge about PAP smear screening and completed by an interview with these participants.
Result: This study has shown that women in our region lack knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention by early detection by Pap smear both in the rural as well as the urban areas. This study clearly conveys the message that the rural women's educational status need to be strengthened at all levels.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our results show that there was inadequate knowledge and practice among certain women groups, especially those above 30 years old, married at young age, and those with low education level. Some women also had a positive attitude, although they needed to have reassurances that could reduce the barriers. A well-organized cervical cancer screening programme providing the Pap-smear test through primary health care services is recommended: this should include raising awareness of women regarding risk factors, and overcoming barriers to having the test such as fear and embarrassment.

Keywords: PAP Smear, Cervical Cancer, Awareness

How to cite : Patel V, Solanki P, Patel H, Study of awareness about early detection of cervical cancer by PAP smear screening amongst women of Bhavnagar District. Indian J Pathol Oncol 2017;4(2):308-312

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